How to fix authentication email address.

Question

The authentication address shown for verification of my email account is someone who I do not recognise. I am reluctant to press send code as you will send it to someone who is not me!

Answer 1

Hello,

Do you have any other verification method besides the Unknown email address?

If the email address is the only recovery option available and you don't have access to it, you will have to replace the Security Information. That is, on the Verify Your identity screen, select 'I don't have any of these' and follow the prompts to replace it.

Note -

If you remove all of your previous security information and replace it with something new, your account will be put into a restricted state for 30 days.

Answer 2

Do not send the code if the email address shown is not recognized.

Use these steps instead:

1. On the verification screen, select I don't have any of these.
2. Follow the prompts to recover the account or replace the security information.
3. If access is still available through another method, sign in to the Security page and update the sign-in and verification methods:
   • Go to https://account.microsoft.com/security
   • Select Manage how I sign in
   • Select Add a new way to sign in or verify
4. If the listed address was changed and no valid verification method is available, use the account recovery process.

Additional checks:

• Confirm the account is being signed in with the correct email domain, such as .com vs .co.uk.
• Confirm the email name is typed correctly.
• If the wrong address appears because security info was changed, replacing all security info can put the account into a restricted state for 30 days.

If an unrequested verification code was received, do not respond to it. Without the code, the account remains protected.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Microsoft account security info & verification codes
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account